Inspiring the next generation of semiconductor talent
Inspiring the next generation of semiconductor talent
The South Wales compound semiconductor cluster is one of the world’s leading communities for advanced semiconductor design, manufacturing and innovation.
Through CSconnected, industry, universities and government work together to strengthen the skills pipeline, from school students to experienced engineers.
Our Outreach hub is designed for:
Whether you’re discovering semiconductors for the first time or looking for career information, you’ll find resources here to help.
Compound semiconductors are advanced materials made by combining two or more elements from the periodic table — typically elements such as gallium, arsenic, nitrogen, silicon or carbon.
Common examples include:
Gallium arsenide (GaAs)
Silicon carbide (SiC)
Gallium nitride (GaN)
Indium phosphide (InP)
Each material has different electrical and physical properties, making them suitable for different applications — from high-power energy systems to ultra-fast communications.
Compound semiconductors are essential in technologies that underpin modern life, including:
Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure
Renewable energy systems (wind and solar)
5G, satellite and fibre-optic communications
Aerospace and defence technologies
Data centres, AI and high-performance computing
Why not just use silicon?
Most everyday electronics use conventional silicon. Compound semiconductors can operate at:
Higher voltages
Higher temperatures
Higher frequencies and switching speeds
This means greater energy efficiency, smaller systems and improved performance — which is critical for electrification, digital connectivity and advanced manufacturing.
South Wales is home to one of the world’s leading compound semiconductor clusters.
The region has capability across the full supply chain, from materials growth and wafer fabrication to advanced packaging, integration and end-market systems.
Through CSconnected, industry, universities and government collaborate to strengthen innovation, scale manufacturing and develop the next generation of skills.
The compound semiconductor sector offers careers in:
You don’t have to follow one single pathway. Opportunities include:
The sector combines high-value manufacturing with cutting-edge research — right here in South Wales.
We work with partners across the cluster to:
If your school or college would like to:
Please contact us at skills@csconnected.com